How to fix an iPhone SE that is stuck on Apple logo after updating to iOS 12 [Troubleshooting Guide]

Software updates are supposed to deliver the goods but not all updated devices end up having positive outcomes as post-update issues emerged. The latest iOS version released by Apple for the iPhone SE and other new iPhone variants is the iOS 12. It was officially rolled out on the 17th of September this year. This update is rolled out to improve an iPhone performance, FaceTime enhancements, advanced notifications, and a more intelligent Siri, to name some. It also offers additional security updates.

But unfortunately, not all iPhone SE owners who have implemented iOS 12 ended up with the pros as the phone gets stuck on the Apple logo. If you’re among those who succumbed into this issue after updating your iPhone SE to iOS 12, then you can refer to the possible solutions and workarounds mapped out below. Read further for more information.

Before anything else, if you have other issues with your device, try to browse through our troubleshooting page as we’ve already addressed several issues with this device. Odds are that we’ve already published a post that tackles similar problems. Try finding issues that have similar symptoms with what you currently have and feel free to use the solutions we’ve suggested. If they don’t work for you or if you still need our help, then fill up our questionnaire and hit submit to contact us.

First solution: Force restart.

Sometimes, a device becomes unresponsive or gets stuck after installing an update. This can happen as some apps may have gone rogue from the most recent system transition. Should this be a minor issue, performing a force restart on your iPhone SE can potentially sort things out and get your apps and operating system to its normal states. A force restart can also clear out errant files that may be causing conflicts. Here’s what you should try doing first:

Press and hold the Home button.

While holding down the Home button, press and hold the Power button for at least 10 seconds.

Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

Allow your device to finish restarting and see if the problem is fixed or not.

Second solution: Factory reset through iTunes.

Performing a factory reset through iTunes on a computer can be the next possible solution to try of a force restart doesn’t do any good and your iPhone remains stuck on the Apple logo. This will wipe everything from your phone including apps, and personal data to make sure you back them up before you start. You can use either a Windows PC or Mac computer for as long as it has the latest version of iTunes software installed. Then follow these steps to factory reset your iPhone SE in iTunes:

If prompted to Trust This Computer on your device, follow the onscreen instructions.

When your iPhone is recognized in iTunes, select it.

Navigate to the Summary section the click Restore [device].

Click Restore to confirm.

This will prompt iTunes to erase your phone and install the latest operating system.

Wait until your phone is completely restored to its factory settings and then reboots. After it reboots, you can proceed with the initial setup process.

Third solution: Restore in Recovery Mode.

A recovery mode restore is used to reset and restore an iPhone that’s going through more complex system errors that made it stuck or unresponsive. This may result to data loss, hence creating backups is necessary. Again you will need to use a computer to carry out this process. Once you’ve got everything ready, follow these steps to restore your iPhone SE in recovery mode through iTunes:

While your phone is connected, perform a force restart by pressing and holding both the Home and Power buttons for a while. Don’t release the buttons when the Apple logo appears.

Release both buttons when the Recovery mode (Connect to iTunes) screen shows up.

If prompted with the option to Update or Restore, select Update to fix software problems on your phone without deleting your settings and contents. If choosing update doesn’t fix the problem, then select Restore to erase all settings and contents to get rid of any fatal system issues that caused your iPhone to get stuck on the Apple logo.

Wait for iTunes to download the software for your device. It usually takes 15 minutes for the entire process to complete. If the download exceeds 15 minutes your phone will exit the Connect to iTunes (Recovery Mode) screen, just let the download to finish and then go back to the previous steps to enter recovery mode again. Then set up your iPhone SE so you can use them again.

Fourth solution: Restore in DFU Mode.

If the recovery mode restore failed to fix the problem and your iPhone SE is still stuck, then you can proceed with the deepest type of iOS restore called DFU or Device Firmware Update mode restore.

Performing a DFU mode restore will erase your device and then reloads every bit of code that controls your iPhone’s hardware and software. This can be the ultimate solution to major iOS issues, particularly those that are attributed to bad updates. Your phone system might have been totally corrupted because the update didn’t finish or wasn’t successful.

Here’s how to enter DFU mode on your iPhone SE:

Connect your iPhone into your computer and open iTunes.

Press and hold the Power button and Home button simultaneously for 8 seconds.

Then, release the Power button but keep holding down the Home button until you see the iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode prompt.

Release the Home button when you see the iTunes prompt.

Your iPhone will become completely black if it successfully entered DFU mode. Otherwise, it will show some logos and that means you need to try again from the very start.

Once you’ve entered DFU mode, follow the onscreen instructions to restore your iPhone through iTunes while in DFU mode.

Performing a DFU mode restore is not recommended if physical or liquid damage exists on the phone. Doing so could brick your iPhone and make it become totally dysfunctional. In that case, better take your device to a service center.

Seek more help

If none of the given solutions is able to resolve the issue and your iPhone SE remains stuck on the Apple logo, then take your device to the nearest Apple-authorized service center in your place. At this point, a technician’s aid is already needed for further hardware assessments and/or repair. Alternatively, you can request other recommendations from your carrier. The iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are already up for grabs, so perhaps it’s the right time for a device upgrade.

Connect with us

If you need more help with the use of certain functions and features of the Apple iPhone SE smartphone, feel free to visit our Tutorial Page. There you can find a list of how-to contents, step-by-step tutorials, as well as answers to FAQs regarding iPhone SE. If you have other concerns or encountered some troubles while using the phone, you can reach us through this form. Just be sure to tell us more details of the problem or device issue(s) you may have and we will be more than happy to assist you further.

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